Universal Theme Overview
Challenge is a child in the Universal themes series, and is in the Process family of themes. This is a theme overview post.
Challenge is an opposing force requiring the full use of one’s abilities, talents, energy and resources to overcome. The force required for real growth.
Big ideas
- Conflict is essential to the nature of the universe. We must adapt to it and make it work for greater goals.
- Competition requires an adversary and a prize for winning. If there are enough resources for everyone, no competition is needed.
- Face challenge by accepting it, facing it and not running away from it.
- Try to work at the edge of your skills and comfort level.
- Tests show up to teach us what we need to learn but are avoiding.
Challenge key concepts
- Avoidance is keeping away from something or someone. Literally, to make void, annul or invalidate.
- Blessings are good wishes or approval; anything that gives happiness or prevents misfortune.
- Competition is striving for the same object against others, usually following set rules.
- Conflict is opposing another side to be antagonistic, incompatible, or contradictory. Sharp disagreement.
- Indifference is a lack of concern, feeling or interest. Showing no partiality, bias, or preference in a matter.
- An investigation is a careful search or examination to learn the facts about a situation. An organized, systematic questioning.
- Lessons are the things needed to be learned.
- Play is amusing oneself by taking part in a structured game or unstructured creative fantasy or activity.
- Rebellion is defiance or opposition to any authority. It is an organized resistance to power.
- A trial is the act of trying, testing, tempting, or proving a person, idea, or qualification.
Archetypes
animals: leopard, otter
birds: cassowary, falcon
flowers: chamomile, tansy
foods: mango, radish
mythical: troll
roles: hero, rebel, rival
settings: sea, valley
situations: duel, trial symbols: beard
Challenge in contemporary culture
Can you think of any examples of challenge in contemporary culture? Let me know in the comments below.